Abstract. A long-term, large increase in consumption of "fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains” has been difficult to achieve. Objective. To evaluate the interaction between environmental changes and a communication campaign in habitual consumption of fruits and vegetables. We ran a non-randomized, pilot experiment in a student´s cafeteria. Methods. The cafeteria concept included a food selection with wholesome and fresh ingredients, a menu table with fruit and vegetable portion information, a dietary screener and a nutritionist that served food and provided nutritional advice on the spot. We measured the patron´s fruit and vegetable consumption prior to a fruit and vegetable communication campaign, prior to the implementation of the cafeteria concept and after it. The implementation was assumed to modify the availability, convenience and palatability of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Results. The effect size of environmental factors seemed to be larger than the communication campaign. Conclusions. After considering the internal validity limitations, this study suggests that when the target population is aware of the benefits of changing dietary patterns, it seems to be that a combination of changes in availability, affordability and palatability can have a larger effect than communication campaigns. If replicated, this finding could be extended to the promotion of other healthier habits.

A commercial version of the cafeteria concept, that is in itself a self-sustained program to improve the diet of worksite populations

The study was done at the National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. After the study, the commercial version was launched. * Due to resources constrains, I obtained my Ms Sc degree with another study (the project continued, nevertheless). In my heart, this is still my Master's thesis.